Eight people, including the president had approached the Jinnah hospital Lahore for adoption of the baby. – File Photo

LAHORE: Jinnah Hospital administration on Wednesday handed over a one-year-old abandoned girl to a couple without issue after refusing some seven other hopefuls, including President Asif Ali Zardari, who wanted the baby for his sister MNA Faryal Talpur.

Allama Iqbal Medical College Principal Prof Dr Javed Akram handed over the baby girl, named Fatima by hospital doctors, to Mr Iqbal and his wife Ayesha in a ceremony organised at the college auditorium.

Scores of senior doctors, nurses and paramedics were also present on the occasion.

Ailing Fatima was left by an unknown woman at the hospital a couple of weeks ago.

Eight people, including President Asif Ali Zardari, had approached the hospital administration for adoption of the baby.

President Zardari had applied for adoption via Pakistan Baita-ul-Mal through a letter dated January 25, addressed to Medical Superintendent Dr Afzal Shaheen, stating, “The President of Pakistan has been pleased to direct that subject girl child may be handed over to Mrs Faryal Talpur, Member National Assembly, and sister of the President.”

The hospital committee constituted for the purpose, however, turned down the president’s request along with those made by seven other hopefuls.

The committee handed over the newborn to the Cavalry Ground couple on the condition that she would be given a share in the family’s property.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...